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ISO 45001 available for public review

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ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System is now available as a Draft International Standard (DIS) for public review. The final standard is expected to be published by late 2016/early 2017

Patrick Smink

“From the early 1990s a number of parties from diverse geographical and economic regions have voiced their concerns about occupational health and safety systems across the globe. It is a priority for businesses everywhere as the costs and effects of workplace accidents can be devastating,” says Leonardo Omodeo-Zorini in DNV GL, representing the Independent International Organisation for Certification (IIOC) in the ISO Committee.

The project committee ISO PC 283 is currently working with 50 countries and international organizations, including the International Labour Organization, to develop ISO 45001 improving occupational health and safety for everyone in both developed and developing countries.

Key requirements in ISO 45001

Some notable requirements of the new standard and key changes compared with OHSAS 18001:

Systematic determination of external and internal issues and needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties. This to understand influencing factors relevant for the management system.

Leadership and worker participation with specific emphasis on participation and consultation processes.

Risk based thinking as a basis for the management system. More focus on objectives as drivers for improvements, and related planning required to achieve the goals.

Extended requirements related to internal and external communication, including the need to determine what, when and how to inform and communicate.

More emphasis on control of changes and control of procurement, contractors and outsourced processes.

More specific requirements related to performance evaluation.

Some amendments related to emergency preparedness and response.

New clause related to process for continual improvements.

“Like all recently published ISO standards, ISO 45001 will be aligned with the high level structure with common requirements, making it easier for organizations to implement and integrate the standard,” says Global Service Responsible for OHSAS 18001 in DNV GL, Patrick Smink.

What can you do now?

The draft version can now be purchased and offer insight into the main elements expected when the standard is finally released. The final version is expected late 2016/early 2017, but the confirmed date depends on the number and complexity of the comments received during the public review process. This will most likely be known after the next PC 283 meeting in June.

DNV GL - Business Assurance is organising webinars and briefing sessions to inform about the upcoming changes. Customers can also reach out to our auditors for assistance.

Our audit methodology, Next Generation Risk Based Certification, will also help our customers in the right direction, as we take the broader view on an organization’s stakeholders, risks and opportunities, in order to further optimize the management system.

Currently certified to OHSAS 18001?

We will support our customers through the migration process, providing guidelines and training to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
“We suggest that you continue with your current programme, and in parallel start preparing to ensure an easier migration. Should you decide to migrate from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001, your DNV GL contact will advise you of the necessary actions and when they need to be taken,” says Patrick Smink.